How long is the growing cycle of an apple?

Introduction to Apple Growth

Apple trees prefer a warm and humid environment. They are suitable for planting in fertile, loose, organic-rich soil, paying attention to drainage and air permeability.

Apples are grown in both the north and south of China. Generally, the most famous producing areas are Yan'an, Yantai, Jingning, Lingbao, and Zhaotong. Among them, Yantai's Red Fuji variety is the most famous.

Apple growth cycle

Apples have a wide adaptability to the environment and can tolerate frost as low as minus 40 degrees Celsius. The temperature during the flowering and fruiting periods cannot be below 0 degrees, which will affect the yield. They are best suited to growing in neutral, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.5.

The growing cycle of apples is about six months.

Apple growth rate

The growth process of apples must go through the flowering period, physiological fruit drop period, fruit expansion period, and ripening period.

Apples experience four flower and fruit drop events from bud to fruit harvest. The first is at the end of flowering, the second is a week after flower drop, which can last for 5 to 20 days and is called early fruit drop. The third is 7 to 14 days after the last fruit drop, which is also called physiological fruit drop. The fourth is just before the fruit is harvested, which is called pre-harvest fruit drop.

Apple Growth Cycle Management

The per-acre yield of apples is related to factors such as management level, variety, and natural conditions. For example, the per-acre yield of apples during the peak production period is about 5,000 kilograms.

Temperature management: Apples prefer a warm environment, and the annual average temperature for growth and development needs to be between 7 and 14 degrees. Most apples have strong cold resistance and can withstand temperatures around minus 30 degrees Celsius, but in order to achieve higher yields, warming measures need to be taken.

Fertilization management: Apples need fertilizers to increase the fruit setting rate. Base fertilizer can be applied. Calcium percarbonate can be applied during the fertilizer-requiring period of fruit trees. Nutritionally balanced compound fertilizers can also be applied during the growth period to balance the ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.